Pupils get competitive, teachers' workload eased through AI-powered e-TURO, DOST observes in 2 Tabuk pilot schools

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Pupils have become more enthusiastic and competitive in classroom activities after gaining access to an AI-powered learning system that allows them to see their scores immediately after completing exercises, while teachers benefit from reduced administrative workloads.

These were among the initial observations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the pilot implementation of its e-TURO Digital Learning System at Bulanao Central School and Laya West Elementary School in Tabuk City.

Science Research Specialist II Allyssa P. Oppas said the November 11 classroom monitoring revealed pupils' excitement and curiosity in using laptops for their lessons, particularly when they could immediately see their scores after answering exercises.

“During the observation for both Bulanao Elementary and Laya West Elementary School, nakita tayo jay excitement and curiousity dagiyay pupils when using the laptops to learn their subjects. Na observe tayo metlang ti ragsak and competitive nu makita dagus jay score da ti exercises just after da anseran…for the teachers naman ti feedback da ket dakkel nga banag na jay system when it comes to lessening their admin works nga isu met nga ti factor or reason nga apay nga I-dep-deploy tayo jay technology,” Oppas said.

She explained that the system also helps teachers by automating certain tasks, including scoring and assessing pupils' performance, reducing the time and effort spent on manually checking and recording their activities.

Oppas said the pilot project seeks to determine whether e-TURO can improve pupils' academic performance while reducing teachers' administrative responsibilities.

“After this project and if positive jay results, meaning effective po suna para ma increase iti academic performance dagiyay ubbing while mabawasan jay admin works ti teachers. If positive jay results, the project will provide recommendations for the expansion of e-turo dls to schools either to regional or national,” she added.

If the evaluation yields positive results, DOST will recommend the possible expansion of the e-TURO Digital Learning System to more schools at the regional or national level.

The pilot implementation is being conducted in the two Tabuk City schools, the only participating schools in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The system was turned over to the schools in September 2026 through an e-TURO package that includes 80 laptops, a smart TV, a USB device, and 12 months of internet connectivity.

The November 11 monitoring was conducted by the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), together with DOST-Kalinga led by Provincial Director Dr. Jasmin Lee Donaal.